Butter Bell Crock

I am really bad at planning ahead. There have been so many occasions where I want to use softened butter but end up microwaving it instead of taking the time to actually soften it to room temperature. I have seen a lot of people leave their butter out in a butter dish for days at a time. The question of how long butter should remain out is subject to many different opinions. I wanted a safe option. My solution…the Butter Bell Crock.

Did you read it and say “What in the world is a Butter Bell Crock?” I ordered my crock from Amazon. Here’s their explanation:

A practical and beautiful solution for storing and serving butter, the Butter Bell Crock keeps butter soft, delicious, and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Modeled after the original French design, the butter crock is made from durable glazed stoneware or dolomite clays. Available in a wide array of colors, the crock can match existing dinnerware or stand on its own to add a touch of color to the table. It goes from the kitchen to the tabletop with no fuss. Butter’s delicate flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock, safely keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors, or spoilage. It also keeps butter at the perfect “spreading” consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. To use, firmly pack one stick of softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock, and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight, and change the water in the base every two to three days. Cleaning is easy since the crock is dishwasher safe.

Here’s a pic from their site of how it actually works:

Ironically enough I had to start the process by leaving a 1/2 cup of butter (one stick) out for several hours to soften. When the butter has softened pour approximately 1/3 cup of cold water into the base of the crock. Pack one stick of butter firmly into the bell-shaped cup of the lid.

Replace the lid into the bottom of the crock. The water will create an airtight seal. Easy!

I’m still trying to figure out a permanent location for my crock. Directions indicate that you should not store it by a stove or other heated appliances or in direct sunlight.

I’m looking forward to having fresh, delicious spreadable butter.